Where the Water Meets the Sand

Platform Development

Website

Author Appearances

Reducing the Stigma of Mental Illness Through a Story of Love, Loss and Hope

WCG’s collaboration with Dr. Tyra Manning began in the early stages of manuscript development with exploration of publishing options. It progressed through all aspects of the publishing process and brand development. With the May 2016 launch of Dr. Manning’s memoir Where the Water Meets the Sand, WCG is focusing on building both her author and book brands, to sell books and secure author appearances, with a big-picture goal of reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Even while the manuscript was being edited, we developed a website showcasing Dr. Manning and her story (tyramanning.com). We established her online presence – primarily on Facebook and LinkedIn – and began a program of regular blogging that linked together all social media platforms. Just prior to the book launch, we put into place a robust publicity program encompassing both national and regional media relations targeting print, broadcast and online media as well as bloggers who influence the target reader for this book. And WCG rolled out an aggressive speaking engagement strategy that included appearances in important markets for this book.